When Beltrami Went to War

WHEN BELTRAMI WENT TO WAR: A W.W.I. CENTENNIAL EXHIBITThe Beltrami County Historical Society commemorates the 100th anniversary of U.S. entry into the “Great War” with a new, temporary exhibit. A selection of artifacts, photographs, apparel and documentation trace the steps leading to World War 1, America’s mobilization in 1917, and the conflict’s toll on Minnesota residents. Memorabilia illustrating Beltrami County involvement is on display, including uniform parts, a canteen and mess kit, and a swatch of fabric retrieved from a fallen enemy combatant by Ralph Gracie, the first person from Bemidji to die in combat. His legacy lives on in the modern era through the American Legion post and memorial park bearing his name. Also featured are May MacGregor Given, a Minnesota nurse who served overseas, and historic depictions of the Great Northern Depot, from which many service members started their journeys abroad. On view through November.